The global economy and COVID created an interdependency where managers work in multiple countries, requiring cultural awareness. Cultural Intelligent (CQ) is a recent concept described as predictor of cultural adaptation. We studied 188 international business university students in terms of gender, language, major, financial need, and study abroad. We found no statistically significant gender differences in CQ, but we found differences in having a second language, level of studies, and study abroad experience. We also found PELL students develop more CQ than the rest of the students while studying abroad. This study helps to understand the key elements to develop CQ among international students to be effective in the present global business world and to promote the participation of PELL students in study abroad experiences.